What does the principle of confidentiality emphasize?

The principle of confidentiality emphasizes keeping information private and secure. In the context of health care, this means that personal health information about patients must be protected and only shared with authorized individuals who are involved in their care. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial for building trust between patients and healthcare providers. When patients feel confident that their information will be kept secure, they are more likely to disclose relevant details about their health, which can lead to better diagnosis and treatment.

In healthcare settings, understanding and implementing confidentiality also align with legal guidelines and ethical standards designed to protect patient privacy rights. This principle is foundational not only for legal compliance but also for the ethical duty of care healthcare workers owe to their patients.